You've got a number of things going on that could be causing this little back-slide. In general, I wouldn't worry about it. Stick to your schedule and when everything else gets back to normal, your child will too.
Things to Keep in Mind:
Your daughter isn't far from turning two. You are in range of some developmental changes and when big developmental leaps occur. In my experience, a child's sleep patterns are often affected by a need for a little more sleep, over-stimulated brain that has a hard time shifting into sleep mode, or sometimes less of a sleep requirement. As I stated above, I recommend doing your best to stick to the schedule and simply ride the "wave." However, watch for big developmental leaps and if you think she is needing a change in how much sleep she gets, or her "downshift time," respond accordingly.
The holidays just mess with kids.
- As much as you feel her routine hasn't changed, simply having extra
people around changes things - energy level, noise and amount of
movement in the house around her just to name a few.
- This is the time of year for feasting and lots of special foods,
candies, extra sugar (which isn't as impactfull as a lot of people
think, but remains a factor). We all know what we eat in the hours
before bed makes an impact on how we sleep.
- There are also a lot of holiday lights which can make it harder to
sleep. Is her room brighter because of lighted decorations the
neighbors have put up? Perhaps a blanket over the window will help
block out that extra light?
- Most importantly for kids though, is the excitement of the season.
Even The Night Before Christmas refers to the children's sleep when
it says, "sugar plums danced in their heads." When a child is extra
excited it is difficult for him/her to slow down and shift into rest
mode because there is just so much to think about. It keeps the
brain firing and more awake - longer. Often, this time of year, it
can be helpful to add a little "downshift time" by reading one extra
book before bed, or making sure to have a quiet family activity for
half an hour to an hour before the child's bedtime - such as a fairly
calm game session (go fish or candyland. .. ) or everyone snuggling
on the couch to read together. It can really help that brain to stop
over-firing a little sooner.
Finally, I think knowing that at around two, one of the "stages" many kids go through is a bit of a clingy phase may be super helpful for you based on the items you state in your question. This is one of those developmental things I refer to above, but I felt a focus on the "clingy" aspect of this age change might be beneficial.
This is an age where kids can become "attached" again to a specific person - usually mom, but not always. When this happens it can be exhibited by the child only wanting the one person to help with dressing, eating, going potty, going to bed, and etc. Most commonly, it shows up at times when that person/parent is leaving (for a night out, or work or whatever). Often, with the kids I cared for, once the parent to whom the child is "attached" is no longer available, all is well and the child does just fine without the attached adult, but while the child knows that adult can see or hear the child will make a huge fuss wanting that person only. All I can say, is reassure her that you love her and know she loves you, tell her why you can't be the one to put her down for bed (when you can't be) and then remind her she can look forward to the next night when you will be the one putting her down for bed.
Good luck and let us know how it works out.
